Country Line Dancing and Two-Step Group
based in the twin cities, MN
Meet the team
JAMES KAUL
At the center of our gatherings is our passionate founder, James Kaul, whose genuine personality creates welcoming events. His belief in the power of inviting, mentoring, and gathering has reignited a passion for country dancing in the Twin Cities area. James aspires to grow the community to a size that can support a seven-day-a-week country dance venue.
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​Balancing roles as a nonprofit leader, skatepark builder, avid fisherman, and father, James finds dancing essential for grounding and balance, especially during challenging times.
​​His events feature a country atmosphere, enriched by his collection of memorabilia and signature style of Wranglers, boots, crisp button-downs, and cowboy hats.
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Committed to quality, James invests in top-notch sound equipment, personally handling the setup and takedown and increasingly welcoming volunteer dancers to assist.
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As he works towards his vision of a thriving, seven-day-a-week country dance venue, James remains a pivotal figure in the Twin Cities’ dance scene, bringing people together through his passion and leadership
Diane Horner
Diane Horner, or as James refers to her, D!ane Horner, the Queen of Country Dancing, began her dance journey at the tender age of two. This would mark the start of a lifelong passion that would eventually leave an indelible mark on the world of country line dancing. While her early aspirations were to become a professional dancer, she prudently pursued a degree in music, ensuring a well-rounded foundation for her artistic endeavors.
In her 40s, Diane was actively engaged as a fitness and dance instructor. A serendipitous moment occurred when she was at Quality Video, where a conversation about the line dance for Achy Breaky Heart led to the production of an instructional line dance video series. This series catapulted her into the limelight, making her a recognizable figure in the dance community. Due to music licensing constraints, Diane commissioned original music in various tempos and styles for her videos, a practice she continues at Hold Your Lady Tight Night to help learners maintain rhythm during lessons.
Diane’s instructional line dance videos became a nationwide sensation in the early 1990s, selling over three million copies and making her a recognizable figure in the dance world. Though the line dancing craze eventually waned, her influence endured, leading James Kaul to seek her out years later after discovering her vintage videos.
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Their paths crossed unexpectedly at a Twin Cities Country Dancers event at Eagles #34 club in Minneapolis, where Diane attended upon a friend’s invitation. This meeting led to a collaboration that breathed new life into the local dance community. Diane now dedicates herself to teaching line dances at HYLTN, ensuring that dancers of all ages and skill levels experience the joy of country dancing. Her unwavering commitment and passion have solidified her legacy as a pivotal figure in the dance world, inspiring both seasoned dancers and newcomers alike.